Yggdrisil A2 OG or New Flavours

[Doomster69]

I'm really Interested in buying Yggdrisil A2 OG version or similar dac with exceptional soundstaging capabilities for TOTL setup. Was looking for used gear that could be price similar dac.

Can someone suggest whether getting any of the new versions is worth it and if so which one which is closest to this?
What can be the alternatives if not the Yggdrisil OG A2 (Gumby isn't it for me). Plenty of R2Rs out there, with most offering a similar sound. Ok to consider a NOS DAC if it's incisive, does details and soundstage well (say TDA 1541 or similar). (Not keen to look a Sonnet or Metrum).
PS - Currently using ARES II and Chord Dacs in my systems and want to upgrade to a better dac.

Suggestions friends?

 

[Yelamanchili manohar]

I'm really Interested in buying Yggdrisil A2 OG version or similar dac with exceptional soundstaging capabilities for TOTL setup. Was looking for used gear that could be price similar dac.

Can someone suggest whether getting any of the new versions is worth it and if so which one which is closest to this?
What can be the alternatives if not the Yggdrisil OG A2 (Gumby isn't it for me). Plenty of R2Rs out there, with most offering a similar sound. Ok to consider a NOS DAC if it's incisive, does details and soundstage well (say TDA 1541 or similar). (Not keen to look a Sonnet or Metrum).
PS - Currently using ARES II and Chord Dacs in my systems and want to upgrade to a better dac.

Suggestions friends?

Your choice of dac will eventually come down to the voicing of your system. I have a thick and smooth sounding chain. So I need a dac with plenty of bite and good leading edges and transient attack. Something the Delta-Sigma chips, or Chord FPGA dacs usually do better. R2R or tube Dac's in my chain might make it too smooth and sleepy.

So apart from how the Dac is raved about online, you will also have to consider what it will do to your sound in the end. All the best and enjoy the hunt

 

[jai1611]

I moved from a Pontus 2 to a Yggy OG A2. To me the latter was a notable upgrade. Similar or slightly better quality as the Yggy is achievable with the Sonnet Morpheus but a different presentation. The older Holo Spiring (level 2, Gen 1) was competitive with the Pontus, as was a Gustard R26. I owned both briefly and preferred the presentation of the Pontus to both. Depending on their preference, I suspect some folks may rank the Gustard alongside the Yggy. Its also got more Audiophile catnip (nos mode, i2s input, built in streamer).

The only DAC I've heard with similar presentation to the Yggy is a vintage Theta (same designer).

If going outside the R2R realm, I'd also suggest checking out the Weiss Audio 204

I've not heard the newer Schiit variants so cant comment on those. My bias is against them due to the move to an op amp output stage

 

[Doomster69]

I moved from a Pontus 2 to a Yggy OG A2. To me the latter was a notable upgrade. Similar or slightly better quality as the Yggy is achievable with the Sonnet Morpheus but a different presentation. The older Holo Spiring (level 2, Gen 1) was competitive with the Pontus, as was a Gustard R26. I owned both briefly and preferred the presentation of the Pontus to both. Depending on their preference, I suspect some folks may rank the Gustard alongside the Yggy. Its also got more Audiophile catnip (nos mode, i2s input, built in streamer).

The only DAC I've heard with similar presentation to the Yggy is a vintage Theta (same designer).

If going outside the R2R realm, I'd also suggest checking out the Weiss Audio 204

I've not heard the newer Schiit variants so cant comment on those. My bias is against them due to the move to an op amp output stage

Heard good things about the Gustard online (catnip indeed) but speaking to few experienced members, Yggy seems to be a fav.. weiss dac 204 is also well rated.. also was suggested to look at Audial S5, Aya.. I'm chasing that last micro detail/plankton with deep layered staging without sounding too sharp/hot in the treble..think the Yggy does that best.. I'm sure the Denafrips higher models may do this well.. holo may is far too costly to get to India.. so looking for a Yggy or similar for now...lets see where I land..

Thanks both for chiming in!

 

[ajuvignesh]

I'm really Interested in buying Yggdrisil A2 OG version or similar dac with exceptional soundstaging capabilities for TOTL setup. Was looking for used gear that could be price similar dac.

Can someone suggest whether getting any of the new versions is worth it and if so which one which is closest to this?
What can be the alternatives if not the Yggdrisil OG A2 (Gumby isn't it for me). Plenty of R2Rs out there, with most offering a similar sound. Ok to consider a NOS DAC if it's incisive, does details and soundstage well (say TDA 1541 or similar). (Not keen to look a Sonnet or Metrum).
PS - Currently using ARES II and Chord Dacs in my systems and want to upgrade to a better dac.

Suggestions friends?

Sorry for off topic. Can you please pen down the sonic difference and staging difference between Chord and Ares II? Both forms stage behind the speakers and both are 3D?
Is Yaggy available in India? Headphone zone doesn't deal with Schiit anymore.

 

[Doomster69]

Sorry for off topic. Can you please pen down the sonic difference and staging difference between Chord and Ares II? Both forms stage behind the speakers and both are 3D?
Is Yaggy available in India? Headphone zone doesn't deal with Schiit anymore.

Golden sound video pretty much nailed the chord sonical traits. Ares 2 is much more natural sounding with less listening fatigue, with details intact

 

[Yelamanchili manohar]

Heard good things about the Gustard online (catnip indeed) but speaking to few experienced members, Yggy seems to be a fav.. weiss dac 204 is also well rated.. also was suggested to look at Audial S5, Aya.. I'm chasing that last micro detail/plankton with deep layered staging without sounding too sharp/hot in the treble..think the Yggy does that best.. I'm sure the Denafrips higher models may do this well.. holo may is far too costly to get to India.. so looking for a Yggy or similar for now...lets see where I land..

Thanks both for chiming in!

The Audial S5 is on my list, for being one of the most real ...read natural sounding dacs around. I had a tube dac with the same Phillips TDA chip, and when well implemented, it can sound nice. The Gustard X26 pro I briefly heard in my room, was nice too.

I've only ever heard depth of sound stage only once, and that was with my speakers setup very impratically for daily use. So I would associate depth with room and placement more than the Dac itself. But I could be wrong.

The above said, yes detail levels will vary. So happy hunting again

Edit : For what its worth, after sitting on the dac fence for a decade, I just went for a Gustard X30. Mainly because it had a clock input. I have my ( probably unfounded ) biases when it comes to clocking and digital playback. So a clock input is a must to satisfy my OCD

 

[Yelamanchili manohar]

@Doomster69 I forgot to mention the LTA Aero dac. That along with the Audial S5b ( this is the newer version ) were the top two on my list for dacs below 4k. There are other great sounding dacs in this price too, but in the context of my own system, these two would have been the best fit for me.

 

[Doomster69]

The Audial S5 is on my list, for being one of the most real ...read natural sounding dacs around. I had a tube dac with the same Phillips TDA chip, and when well implemented, it can sound nice. The Gustard X26 pro I briefly heard in my room, was great too.

I've only ever heard depth of sound stage only once, and that was with my speakers setup very impratically for daily use. So I would associate depth with room and placement more than the Dac itself. But I could be wrong.

The above said, yes detail levels will vary. So happy hunting again

Edit : For what its worth, after sitting on the dac fence for a decade, I just went for a Gustard X30. Mainly because it had a clock input. I have my ( probably unfounded ) biases when it comes to clocking and digital playback. So a clock input is a must to satisfy my OCD

Very true about the room playing a role in the soundstage depth part. Wide is still manageable, but for depth the speakers really need to be in places in the room which don't allow for aesthetics and functionality ( i hear u).

Also I understand your ocd about clock inputs and how controlled timing is the holy grail to chase...having spent quite a few years reading on the subject (no where close to ppl who have hands on experience), and how timing effects sound perception, u can count me in as a fellow OCD guy

 

[reignofchaos]

My only experience with the Yggy was with the original one in a non fully warmed up state (just connected and played) during a DAC shootout. It was a bit aggressive for my taste and didn't have the depth perception and layering that better DACs provide. However I have heard this dac needs 24 hour warmup so can't be sure if this is how it sounds otherwise.

Audial aya 5 sounds pretty good at a friend's place. Having heard the Sonnet Morpheus a few times in different systems, I would take that over Yggy any day of the week. Weiss 304 - this I heard in non optimal state with a switch mode psu. Here I didn't really enjoy what I heard but with better power supplies, it might sound superior

What are you going to be using to feed the DAC? That is as important as the dac itself.

 

[reignofchaos]

All this being said, I still prefer my AMR over any of these by a very large margin. It's just in a different league in terms of tonal accuracy, timber, color and holography.

 

[Yelamanchili manohar]

All this being said, I still prefer my AMR over any of these by a very large margin. It's just in a different league in terms of tonal accuracy, timber, color and holography.

You should reaaaaally try Aes-Ebu into the AMR in that case

The AMR has some sophisticated PLL topology on its spdif inputs, and sounded best to me via Aes-Ebu when fed from my then Metrum Ambre roon end point. I was using a well regarded Lush Usb cable then ( with variable impedence output option ), and the Aes-Ebu was a comparatively entry level Audioquest Foresster cable. But from memory I preferred the Aes-Ebu.

I also remember the AMR improving quite a bit in the bass, when I used isolators underneath. I think I was using Oehlbach air springs, but basically anything works. My current favourite is the Noob springs which also happens to be the cheapest of the lot

Edit : I must add that the usb feed was from a Mac mini running on a LPSU. So not apple to apples and that variable is there, which I forgot to add above

 

[reignofchaos]

You should reaaaaally try Aes-Ebu into the AMR in that case

The AMR has some sophisticated PLL topology on its spdif inputs, and sounded best to me via Aes-Ebu when fed from my then Metrum Ambre roon end point. I was using a well regarded Lush Usb cable then ( with variable impedence output option ), and the Aes-Ebu was a comparatively entry level Audioquest Foresster cable. But from memory I preferred the Aes-Ebu.

I also remember the AMR improving quite a bit in the bass, when I used isolators underneath. I think I was using Oehlbach air springs, but basically anything works. My current favourite is the Noob springs which also happens to be the cheapest of the lot

Edit : I must add that the usb feed was from a Mac mini running on a LPSU. So not apple to apples and that variable is there, which I forgot to add above

My AES/BNC block is not locking onto signal for some reason . Need to get it checked to figure out what is wrong. The bit on the main board seems okay as there are only passive components there. I need to see if the digital board is the culprit.

 

[Analogous]

I'm really Interested in buying Yggdrisil A2 OG version or similar dac with exceptional soundstaging capabilities for TOTL setup. Was looking for used gear that could be price similar dac.

Can someone suggest whether getting any of the new versions is worth it and if so which one which is closest to this?
What can be the alternatives if not the Yggdrisil OG A2 (Gumby isn't it for me). Plenty of R2Rs out there, with most offering a similar sound. Ok to consider a NOS DAC if it's incisive, does details and soundstage well (say TDA 1541 or similar). (Not keen to look a Sonnet or Metrum).
PS - Currently using ARES II and Chord Dacs in my systems and want to upgrade to a better dac.

Suggestions friends?

The Holo Audio DACs will meet all your listed qualities.
I am using the Cyan 2 and am very pleased with it’s presentation and musicality
Price wise it’s also not bad compared to the Holo May KTE. There is an interesting review and comparison with sound clips by New Record Day

 

[Doomster69]

The Holo Audio DACs will meet all your listed qualities.
I am using the Cyan 2 and am very pleased with it’s presentation and musicality

Good to know.. i was also eyeing the cyan 2 but I was a bit worried about it being a bit too rolled off...spoke to magna hifi and vivid hifi Delhi as well.. but the price seems exorbitant unless someone buys in the US and brings it back..

PM pls how much you got it for and how.. thanks mate!

 

[Doomster69]

Also forgot to mention - I'm using the Susvara and Hd600 with Felix Envy amp..so the dac seems to be only itch that needs scratching.. the idea is to get an upgrade to the ARES Il or the Chord Dacs in the chain..

 

[amrutmhatre90]

I am using Gustard R26 since a year, I love it. Have heard some DACs in the past which are around the same price bracket.
Liked the LAN presentation to a extent where I sold my streamers, I do not have any standalone streamers in my system now.

Currently using the internal streamer of the R26 dac with is fed by a Fiber media convertor box with LPS, and a decent LAN cable.
Roon and HQP to the rescue to handle rest things.

I have tried the Gustard A26 from a friend which is currently on sale, few things it does better than R26 is bass quantity and DSD playback tonality.

The A26 has slightly more bass, which is better defined and controlled—subtle but noticeable.
The highs are fantastic—sparkly yet non-fatiguing and highly detailed.
The R26, on the other hand, has smoother highs and offers a deeper and wider soundstage.

Both R26 and A26 sound really close yet somewhat different due to topologies.

I am all in for the Gustard Camp where I won't need to buy a separate streamer.

 

[Yelamanchili manohar]

I am using Gustard R26 since a year, I love it. Have heard some DACs in the past which are around the same price bracket.
Liked the LAN presentation to a extent where I sold my streamers, I do not have any standalone streamers in my system now.

Currently using the internal streamer of the R26 dac with is fed by a Fiber media convertor box with LPS, and a decent LAN cable.
Roon and HQP to the rescue to handle rest things.

I have tried the Gustard A26 from a friend which is currently on sale, few things it does better than R26 is bass quantity and DSD playback tonality.

The A26 has slightly more bass, which is better defined and controlled—subtle but noticeable.
The highs are fantastic—sparkly yet non-fatiguing and highly detailed.
The R26, on the other hand, has smoother highs and offers a deeper and wider soundstage.

Both R26 and A26 sound really close yet somewhat different due to topologies.

I am all in for the Gustard Camp where I won't need to buy a separate streamer.

Hi Amrut

What App do we need to use with the gustard as a streamer please. And I have a separate Melco server running Minim server which actually does the heavy lifting of sorting, indexing and arranging the library. So something compatible with a Minim server as end point will be great. Thanks

 

[amrutmhatre90]

Hi Amrut

What App do we need to use with the gustard as a streamer please. And I have a separate Melco server running Minim server which actually does the heavy lifting of sorting, indexing and arranging the library. So something compatible with a Minim server as end point will be great. Thanks

We can use BubbleUpnP, MConnect in that I think, both see gustard as a device.

Roon, Spotify connect, Tidal connect also works.
And yeah it is HQplayer NAA ready.

Does your Melco have a ethernet LAN output ? I think gustard can use the LAN input.

 

[Yelamanchili manohar]

We can use BubbleUpnP, MConnect in that I think, both see gustard as a device.

Roon, Spotify connect, Tidal connect also works.
And yeah it is HQplayer NAA ready.

Does your Melco have a ethernet LAN output ? I think gustard can use the LAN input.

Thanks...Yeah the Melco has twin Lan ports. One is for input, and other is supposedly an optimised output port for streamers. But I use an Ansuz A2 network switch in between for any additional network cleaning...basically another OCD